Super Short Summary

Bad Indians by Deborah A. Miranda intricately merges historical documentation with personal memoir to recount the devastating impact of Spanish missionization on California’s Indigenous populations, including her Ohlone/Costanoan-Esselen ancestors. The narrative spans from the late 18th century to the present, highlighting systemic brutality, cultural erasure, and the enduring legacy of colonial violence. Sensitive topics include child rape, traumatic violence, and abuse.